Few games are programmed to use multiple cores and NONE are set to use more than four at this point. AMDs perform well in multi core programs but do lag behind in single threaded applications to Intel. Each side has their specific strong suits.
AMD's chips tend to use more power and generate more heat, but to rule them out because of that would be ridiculous. Any perceived cost savings is largely irrelevant seeing as it would take you decades to see any differences. There have been several tests done with cost figures and it's all shown the argument to be moot.
Intel makes good stuff, no doubt. You're certainly going to pay more for it though, so bear that in mind. The prices have been coming down on the more mainstream enthusiast stuff, so that's a plus. I guess it's all on what you expect from it and how much you're willing to spend to get it. I've had three AMD based rigs now and enjoyed each and every one of them. To each their own.